Story: Volcanic Plateau places

Roadside Stories: Volcanic Lake Taupō

Lake Taupō fills a caldera (volcanic depression) formed by massive eruptions. The first eruption, about 26,000 years ago, covered the central North Island with pumice and ash; the last, about 1,800 years ago, was so dramatic that its effects were noted in China and Rome. In Māori tradition the lake is home to a taniwha (supernatural being) called Horomatangi.

Listen to a Roadside Story about Lake Taupō. Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides to places around New Zealand.

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Archival audio sourced from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives. Sound files may not be reused without permission from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives (Reference number sa-97112-26-01-pm).

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How to cite this page:

Malcolm McKinnon, 'Volcanic Plateau places - Lake Taupō', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/35254/roadside-stories-volcanic-lake-taupo (accessed 17 April 2024)

Story by Malcolm McKinnon, updated 25 May 2015